I Am Seattle Children's

Lenny Wilkens: I Am a Partner

Lenny Wilkens

For almost 50 years, I worked for the NBA – first as a player, then as a coach. Today, I’m grateful to use the name I made for myself to eliminate health disparities and level the playing field for kids in our community.

I’ll never forget meeting Dr. Blanche Lavizzo, the first medical director of Seattle Children’s Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic and the first female African-American pediatrician in the state of Washington. It was 1970 and I wanted to give back to the community that had embraced me when I came to play for the Supersonics.

At that meeting, Dr. Lavizzo gave me “the look” (she was famous for her stern gaze), then proceeded to talk to me about the importance of providing healthcare with dignity and respect to every child, regardless of their family’s income, race, religion or culture.

Dr. Lavizzo’s belief that all children deserve the opportunity to be the best of who they can be still guides the clinic’s work today. And it’s that focus on health equity that continues to make Odessa Brown my favorite cause.

Whenever I visit the clinic, I see staff members and caregivers cheering every child on. It’s a place where ethnically diverse families feel safe, and where I am inspired to make a difference. If you ever stop by the clinic, look for the painting of Dr. Lavizzo. She’s giving “the look” and making sure everything is going right!

I Am Seattle Children’s: The People Behind the Care

Find more videos and stories of the providers, staff, supporters, patients, families, volunteers and friends who make up the Seattle Children's family.

Seattle Children’s complies with applicable federal and other civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people or treat them differently based on race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry), age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.